Leonia district auditor reports clean opinion; board hears budget, capital and transportation updates

The Leonia Board of Education received a presentation from the district’s external auditor, who issued an unmodified opinion on the 2022–23 financial statements and on compliance with state and federal grants.

"Our opinion on the financial statements is unmodified," the auditor said, adding there were no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in internal control and no reportable grant compliance findings. The auditor reported that the district’s overall fund balance increased year over year, and that capital and maintenance reserves were up and available for planned 2023–24 projects.

Administrators told the board the FY24–25 tentative budget submission was delayed and moved to March 19 after the district received a roughly $407,000 reduction in state aid; the administration said it would finalize and submit the tentative budget at the March 19 meeting. Several capital projects are being advertised to bid with openings scheduled for April 16, including a roof project and exterior door replacements, and insurance proceeds were being used for hurricane‑Ida repairs.

District staff also reported a tentative, DEP‑related approval for a specification change for a previously awarded grant for seven electric buses; the district said it was awaiting final grant paperwork before bringing a resolution to the board to accept the revised grant and award a revised contract.

Finally, the administration said a food‑service RFP is underway with plans to submit it to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture by April 5 and to have a contract awarded before June 30.

Board members had no audit findings to address and thanked administration and staff for financial stewardship. Several committee chairs reported on ongoing work including policy reviews, professional development and upcoming evaluations.